Hamad Town’s parking crisis hits new heights; residents call for urgent solutions

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The parking crisis in Hamad Town has become a persistent issue, with neighbours frequently clashing over the limited availability of parking spaces.

Disputes have escalated to the point where some residents have sought police intervention due to confrontations sparked by blocked roadways and chaotic parking situations.

Casting light on this issue, Northern Municipal Council member Abdullah Al Qubaisi told The Daily Tribune that the situation has hit a critical point.

Tensions

“The increasing population density in our city has made it nearly impossible for residents to find parking. Each household averages between four to six vehicles, and with so few designated spaces available, tensions are running high,” he explained.

Al Qubaisi has proposed converting abandoned public parks and football fields into designated parking areas.

“There is an urgent need to repurpose public lands currently owned by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture. There are approximately 25 vacant plots in the Northern’s 9th constituency that could be transformed into much-needed parking lots for residents,” he added.

One particularly promising site mentioned by Al Qubaisi is a property measuring 1,033.855 square meters located in Block 1209 along Highway 939, which he believes could be allocated for parking.

He stressed that several residential communities, including Blocks 1205, 1207, and 1208, are in desperate need of designated areas for parking. By repurposing these underutilised spaces, the councillor argues that the council can help alleviate the tensions that have arisen among neighbours over parking disputes.

Peaceful community

“The establishment of organised parking facilities would significantly reduce random parking in alleyways and in front of homes, fostering a more peaceful community atmosphere,” he explained.

As Hamad Town’s citizens confront this critical challenge, Al Qubaisi’s proposals which have been approved recently by the Northern Municipal Council could offer a path toward a more harmonious living environment, allowing residents to park their vehicles without conflict.